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"Bangkok: A City of Contrasting Sights " a Bangkok Travel Page by DarkRay

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"Bangkok: A City of Contrasting Sights " a Bangkok Travel Page by DarkRay

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DarkRay   
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Real Name: Raymond
Lives In: Singapore, SG
Member Since: Nov 04, 2003
VT Rank: 524

 

Page Views: 4,310            Last Visit to Bangkok: October, 2006      

Bangkok: A City of Contrasting Sights

by DarkRay - last update: Jun 14, 2007

In May 2004, ValuAir, a Singapore based airline targetting the value segment, officially started its operations in Singapore, with its maiden flight being the highly popular Singapore - Bangkok route. Since their entry, budget airlines such as JetStar Airways, Thai Air Asia and Tiger Airways have joined in the fray as well, and as such, a price war was started between the various popular full-service airlines eager to retain their market share for this high traffic route.

The full-service carriers which joined in the "fun" included Finnair, Garuda Indonesia, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, and Thai Airways, all offering all-time-low and never-before pricings ever since for return air tickets to Bangkok from Singapore.

Nowadays, my airline of choice when I fly to Bangkok is the Swiss International Air Lines. They are a very good airline with new planes and an impressive entertainment system with large PTV. Service was good as well. If there was anything to complain, it would be the food, which was largely vegetarian - but the food still did taste quite good. With the tickets costing only S$130 (about US$90, and less taxes of course) during promotional periods, it was wonderful value for money.

Bangkok, as the capital of Thailand, is a bustling metropolis of sights and sounds. Its people are friendly and its shopping is great. Despite the strong urban influence, it still nevertheless manage to retain most part of its old world charm.

So even for visitors who are not interested in the more glitzy side of Bangkok, they can still be entertained. The temples with their regal and intricated constructed stupas, are always an impressive sight, and one can also learn more about Thailand's unique culture and traditions by visiting the various museums within the city itself.

The weary and tired traveller can also try out one of the very affordable massage centres available almost everywhere in Bangkok. But to make sure that you are getting a genuine Thai massage, avoid going to one which offers "additional" or "special" services.
Mah Boon Krong Center
Shopping is one of the favourite activities among Bangkok's visitors and, they are many street markets and shopping centres to cater for this purpose.
My friends and I stayed at a Triple-Sharing Room in the Tower Wing of Ambassador Hotel. This was the view of the city from our room.
View from Ambassador Hotel

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

Pros:"Bangkok is a very unique city in itself, and most activities are priced at a very affordable rate."
Cons:"The weather!"
In A Nutshell:"It's a bustling city!"
DarkRay's Bangkok Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 6 - Photos: 13
 
Restaurants
Tips: 2 - Photos: 6
Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 3 - Photos: 11
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
 
Tourist Traps
Tips: 2 - Photos: 1
Warnings Or Dangers
Tips: 1
 
Transportation
Tips: 3 - Photos: 3
Local Customs
 
Packing ListsShopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips

DarkRay's Bangkok Travelogues
Title [Click to view]Travel YearPictures
Shopping In BangkokMay, 2004 7
Wat Phra Kaew / Grand PalaceMay, 2004 8
Wat Po & Wat ArunMay, 2004 8
Ancient City / Muang BoranJune, 2004 8
Lunch at Bangkok SkyJune, 2004 8

Comments for DarkRay about Bangkok
starship Wed Oct 14, 2009 16:54 UTC
 Great page! I appreciate your very honest tips about hotels and restaurants, and policemen!
volopolo Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:43 UTC
 Great information about Bangkok! Hope that you loved the city!
balhannah Wed Feb 4, 2009 20:57 UTC
 Hadn't heard of the Ancient City before, so thanks for the information. A place I would like to visit.
mahadragon Wed Jan 14, 2009 17:31 UTC
 This information about popular sites at each stop is posted right inside the trains just above the door usually. It can be found on each train.
See More Comments

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